Vermiculite And Perlite: What Are The Differences?

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Vermiculite, perlite - these words have been heard by every summer resident at least once, but many still do not know how these useful fertilizers differ from each other. Yes, yes, excellent fertilizers are really obtained from these substances of volcanic origin - recently vermiculite with perlite, previously used only in construction, have begun to be very successfully used also in modern horticulture! Why are they so good, and what are their main differences from each other?

What are they needed for?

Vermiculite and perlite are actively used by modern gardeners for the safe preservation of flower bulbs, for obtaining nutritious soil mixtures and for better germination of cuttings. Both compounds are light and very free flowing minerals of volcanic origin, but this is perhaps where their similarity ends.

Vermiculite - what is it and what is it useful for?

Vermiculite is based on mineral supplements vital for the safe growth of green pets, and this substance will always be significantly darker than perlite. Vermiculite is very rich in silicon, as well as magnesium, potassium and many other equally useful elements. Of course, without exception, vermiculite will not provide them with all the elements necessary for plants, of course, but it can boast of a truly unique ability to bind together the particles of mineral components entering the bowels of the soil. That is, after making various dressings, first the vermiculite binds them tightly together, and then begins to slowly release them, providing the vegetation with the most uniform nutrition.

In addition, the addition of even a small amount of vermiculite to the soil can significantly reduce its acidity. If the soils need to be kept exactly acidic, then during the preparation of the substrate for the plants it will not hurt to add citric acid (just a couple of drops) to the pot with earth - this will quickly replenish the balance. Also, vermiculite has the ability to accumulate liquid in itself, which is also important. And, most importantly, it is absolutely non-toxic and environmentally friendly for any soil! At the same time, neither acids nor alkali can affect its composition - it is for this property that vermiculite is loved by many gardeners! And even after its application, neither rodents nor harmful insects start in the ground!

About the benefits of perlite

Both in composition and in its chemical formula, perlite has some resemblance to sand, which is why it is often used instead of sand mixtures in the preparation of soils! And when poured, perlite almost always forms clouds of dust.

Perlite to a large extent allows to ensure the porosity and air permeability of the soil. It is especially good to fertilize flowers with a weakened root system with them - for such plants it is extremely important that the soil mixture is as light as possible. In addition, perlite is often used as drainage as it is an excellent loosening component. It is also great at helping to prevent the formation of tough and too dense crusts on the ground!

The only drawback of perlite is that, unlike vermiculite, it is not endowed with the ability to accumulate and subsequently bind various chemical elements. But, if for the favorable growth of plants, soil characterized by high acidity is required, you should definitely pay attention to perlite! It allows you to provide a slightly alkaline reaction, which will greatly contribute to the more efficient growth of green pets. It is especially important to add at least a little perlite to the soil in which the gardenias or azaleas were planted. And for fans of violets, when preparing a nutrient substrate, it is recommended to add not only perlite, but also vermiculite in a ratio of 1, 5: 1.

What are the differences?

If vermiculite can boast of the ability to perfectly accumulate moisture, then perlite, on the contrary, gives it up rather quickly during watering. A more varied mineral composition is also characteristic of vermiculite, while perlite, in fact, is not much different from ordinary silicon.

Putting vermiculite in the soil ensures that no voids appear in the soil. In addition, vermiculite is less hygroscopic, less ion-exchangeable and does not cake in the ground at all. It does not damage the roots of the crops grown and will serve well when rooting cuttings. It is also useful for the germination of healthy and high-quality seedlings, as well as for the preservation of flower bulbs.

Perlite, on the other hand, dries up much more quickly after watering, gives off moisture to plants much faster, loosens the soil very effectively and is characterized by excellent heat-insulating properties (when temperatures drop, it cools rather slowly, and practically does not heat up in the heat). This substance is good to use both for germinating seeds and for the best rooting of cuttings when choosing a vegetative propagation method!

Do you use vermiculite or perlite at your dacha?